3,210 comments:

Not too many DA coaches are going to be happy to have their players playing HS. You're either in or not. If your kid makes a DA roster but decides to sit out to play HS during the Fall, do you really think coaches are going to put them in that starting lineup when they return? No. They'll be sitting. Why make the commitment to play DA if youre going to miss an entire season of that great exposure? Exposure they won't be getting playing at their HS soccer field for sure.

Not worried about the DA sitting my kid if she plays HS. If she does, this will go to show they are not looking for the best, just people like you. My kid should never sit and if she does, I would not have her play at that level, with that commitment and cost to my family. I have that choice as you would say, over and over and over. But HS is allowed and kids now have a that choice.

Agreed. And that doesn't mean that since USSF allows it that the various clubs will as well. It all depends on that specific Clubs' training schedule. A lot of this is to avoid overuse injuries. That is in the best interest of the players. And, we the parents need to look at that as well.

I'm getting tired of Henny Penny telling me the sky is falling; GDA will be horrible, ECNL will be horrible, etc.. All of this is up in the air, but as MANY have noted, it comes down to choices. We need to make sure we make decisions that best work for OUR specific children, whatever it is.

GDA and ECNL will self cannibalize, no need for Henny Penny to tell you that. GDA - because it will end up being too rigid. ECNL - because it will lose all top talent to GDA. All that will be left are the SJEB/RUSH and Wildcats.

If you said yes then Academy is the place to be for your kid. They will get into a top college if they can juggle the commitment? DA training 4 times a week 10 months a season 20 to 30 games a season plus DA tournaments and if they are picked get to go to CA a few times a year to train for a spot for a CONCACAF/World Cup roster spot. So we have International travel plus CA a few times a year in addition - where does school fit in exactly? So if your kid has the goods sit down and make sure you can swing what is being asked and what you will have to sacrifice.

Don't worry about college, if you are talking high level soccer then your kid will play for a school and get some money the question is do you want Olympics or High School Soccer. Becasue if it's Olympics there is no romm for HS soccer.

Your odds are so low for the highest level. Maybe 3 girls in state over 6 age years. The GDA wants you 4 days a week, what club has those facilities? Pda has the most and can't even do two times a week now and they are adding more kids and programs. They will not drop tne others, they pay too. How does tne GDA fix this, please do tell. They aren't giving money to help facility cost and we don't live in southern cal.

5:52 - well, that's cruel. I think the poster was saying that is what all the doubter/Henny Penny's on the post board are saying. They are proclaiming without any evidence that this will be bad, that will be bad, nothing will work.

These doomsday soccer preppers perceive the GDA to be a bad thing. Previously, the ECNL was perceived as a bad thing. Looks like anything new is deemed prior to its start to be bad by some. I say, let's wait and see. ECNL turned out to be pretty good. GDA will be as well.

.8:51 - fun fact. Pugh only played hs 3 yrs. She didn't play senior year. Also, in her soph yr., she only played a partial year. ".....and in sophomore year, despite missing more than half of her high school games due to national team commitments, she helped the team to the state semifinals. "

So, she really didn't play a lot of high school during most of her high school eligibility.

And, the GDA wants practices 4 days a week not 2 days as you note re Pugh. So, depending on the club and the GDA commitment required, this may be impossible to do without the kids getting injured.

But everyone thinks their kid is a Mallory. Ha! If your kid couldn't make or last long in a TC then good luck in the DA. If they don't like to work and/or they can't play technical soccer then steer them toward HS. Where a high work rate is not important and she can boot the ball and receive a pat on the back from the coach for it. Look, who cares what anyone else's opinion is including mine. Soon DA will be the best option for those girls who have the talent and want to play D1 in college. Certainly not for all and doesn't need to be.

Trying to do the math here. So rounded and after possible speculation of who stays and who goes there are about 50 clubs in the GDA (nationwide). 20 players per team per age equals 1000 girls at each age group, roster for NT may be 25. So figure out where your daughter stands on the pyramid and if her chances are good to get an NT spot oh, and keep it from U15 through U23. Also take into consideration that the U means a U15 player can be selected to play U17. Conversely, looking from the ECNL side if you are not on the GDA team what are your chances as you age up? And a 1000 girls at U18 in GDA fills the pool for most open roster spots on top colleges at each year.

Sorry this age group has NT players selected for U16 NT. So the chances of getting placed on this group are less than 1% and you must be above and beyond the current pool. The selected U16 will stay on until U18 and maybe a few slight changes through the years. Sorry but everyone dreams are now gone worry about college.

No I'm not saying to skip I for one love the benefits of the exposure especially for college. I just want point out the NT is pretty much out of reach as many are talking about it on the blog. NWSL is still not out of reach for many and the potential is still there if your on GDA.

Also development at this age has already peak or about too GDA will be identified talent already developed. They are not bringing someone on because they are athletics and hoping to develop.

Do we really think training intenesly 4x a week and playing games on weekends is the best for development. No mention of overtraining? I would like to see a sample weekly schedule before I would want my daughter to commit to jumping on the burnout train.

I actually feel strongly that extra coached training is exactly what we dont need. These kids if they are to really become next level players need to experience a lot more free play. This is a big missing link in US soccer.

Also how do you know the coaches are qualified to train all the different disciplines that would be worthy of 4 days a week.

I can replicate a better program that will teach tactical soccer 2x a week and techinical 1x and free ply 1x and I whole heartedlly believe itcwill make my daughter better than Any DA can teach.

Soccer in this country sucks because we are so structured and scripted. We need to free these kids up to create a more imaginative game.

10:33Curious...does your daughter play HS?If so, you're not worried about burnout and injury? Have you seen their schedule?I know our local DA has tactical, technical and also has video analysis included. It's not all balls out to the wall

1033 Agree/Disagree coaches at ECNL/GDA are required to have a certain level of training hours and certification to coach/train at those levels. Also wouldn't you consider HS free play and social aspect but I bet HS coaches do not even hold a license to train/coach at all thus the reason why U.S. is implemented no HS for boys.

I do agree 4x a week is a lot and down time for studies is important and burnout does and will happen to players by the time they hit the college scene.

I wish U.S. would of put more emphasis in working with ECNL and rebuilding and reshaping the ODP programs keeping things state/regional/nationally through the years until college. It's been so downgraded due to Training Centers, ECNL, PDP etc. It was a incredible side program that develop women's teams throughout the years.

10:42 no high school yet. Obviously a serious concern and will have to have the right set up/situation with rest days if they want her. Otherwise she will try tennis.

I think the question of the DA doing tactical/technical my point is there arent that many great technical trainers to have to go through the DA club may actually limit the growth vs having an outside technical trainer that is really talented.

10:49 I would say highschool is further away from free play than club. The ideal is you put a group of really good players on the field and let them play like in south america where pick up is much easier. High school coaches want you running plays and soccer skill is exceptionally low.

Kids need to play with good smart players to continue development which is what DA/ECNL come close to doing.

1122 Have you been to a third world country and watch free if not do not bring up free play if you have not seen it with your own eyes. Free play in those counties are just that free play with everyone at different levels and ages. Just like Basketball is in the streets of NY City or any other major city everywhere else players are not on the same level but just go out and have fun. That's my definition of FREE PLAY not what you stated "bunch of smart players together playing" which is done during the last 15-20 minutes of practice now.

Bottom line GDA is for those wanting to compete in a professional environment in hopes of playing Top level D1 program, NWSL, or Over Seas as many women are looking to play now. National Team is the small percentage.

10:33 - where did you see that they will be training 4x's a week and playing games on weekends? There will be less games so my understanding that when there are games, they won't have 4x's weekly training (since some of the 4x's week training is on the weekends). How many days do you train, currently? And, some of the training will be in the fitness, film, etc. So, not necessarily on the field 4x's a week, either. USSF isn't looking to burn out the kids.

@10:49 - saw your comment about ODP. It is still a very relevant program; in particular in areas that didn't have ECNL access. Many coaches from top programs still go to ODP events - and the head coaches at that. They and many on their staff are very much involved. It is still some of the best soccer development out there, in my opinion.

GDA is the competitive model to ECNL, Ford has a Mustang Chevy gets a Camaro. If US soccer wanted to put together a program to build a US national powerhouse competing against current leagues is not the answer. First lets address High School for what it is, ego currency. Look at the articles, awards and accolades coming out of PAPREP and the names are mostly ECNL players, this is press they are not getting through Club and actually adds the little bit of cache to the resume (look at the college roster pages, yes they mention club but a lot of the bio is High School related). Now let’s take ECNL, the clubs I am familiar with directly are FC Bucks, CFC, and PF. Depending on where you land age wise you may get a good coach for your team, ancillary trainers are probably a wash across all 3 and development is less and less as you age up. I believe PF has more NT pool players then Bucks or CFC, looking at commits it is pretty level across the board for local D1 with some girls going to the next tier (Penn State, Maryland VT, etc.). I also do not think I have ever seen a high goalie commit coming out of any club, so maybe that tells you something about how they are training at that position. Practice/training/Indoor/Futsal vary by club but in season you can expect 2-3 practices a week. Our experience was good at one club for a year, then they made changes and training dropped off. We had a January-February training cycle that combined indoor with chalk talk, in season we did recovery 1st training day post games, Fitness Training, and game planning, this went away the next year with what were supposed to be standard practices but ended up being “recovery” one day and scrimmages the next. My best hope, and my daughter will not be playing at this level any more, (on to college) is that the DA will follow that model. Develop and train players, give them opportunities to free-play, protect them through fitness and physiology, and game plan, help them understand their capabilities and limitations, help them understand the game at each level.

4x week includes film review and fitness. USSF has been running the DA with boys long enough to know what they are doing. They are going to be building a well rounded player. Mentally, physically, technically, and tactically....

As for a goal of making the NT, that is not the goal for all who make the DA. My daughter wants to play high level soccer with others of the same ability and realizes exposure from the DA will be the best there is. She is hopeful for a scholarship, not to be the next Mallory.

11:42 yes i have been to many a country both developing and non developing countries. Have played pick up free play soccer in north south and central america africa and Europe. I have played on beaches, courts, fields, turf, and dirt.

Yes it has level differences in the players but there is an absence of coaching and fear that allows players to try new things. The better the level the more peer pressure there is to play in a certain style. Just like basketball which is one reasonwe are so good in hoops.

If you go to south america and see a group of players playing in general they are very good and of a similar level. That does not exist here. So in lieu of that not existing you need to get a group of peers together to play sans coaches. It kind of happens here in practices but with a coach freedom doesnt exist.

I have seen it in the us with a group of mexican and brazilian migrant workers.

1:08 - saw your post. I disagree with alot of it. Not sure you are in the know about any of what you are proclaiming. Not only are your college commits off so are your comments re training and positions re PA ECNL teams. FOr instance, Bucks has a keeper that plays for BC, and a Duke commit (who is now at PDA, but committed to Duke while at Bucks) and many other good commits. PF has a bunch; many UVA, Penn State, VT commits, Duke, UNC, etc. Also, as you noted many NT players. Further, my understanding is that they have a keeper and other field players (some committed and some not) that are very high up on the US Soccer chart being tracked as well. I can't really speak to CFC as I am an NJ person so Bucks and PF (NJ kids play on both) are ones we know outside of PDA, MF and WC.

If you read the entire post I do give credit to some of the higher commits. and while BC is a great school, it is not considered a soccer powerhouse. The 3 clubs are also a merry go round where girls jump from club to club based on their playing time and coaching changes. PF and CFC may end up splitting ECNL and DA so they will eventually cancel each other out, and FCB has been dwindling for years. As far as a second go round?? And for being creepy, I did indicate I posted incorrectly in this forum, but came back for this post to set the record straigh. I will leave you in your Ivory tower never to darken your door again. By the way, Daughter did well, no regrets, just trying to post an opinion of what I saw over 10 years of soccer. Club loyalty is hard but everyone wants to do right by thier Children.

Btw - BC was a top 25 school only last year. The schools keep switching as the soccer is improving all around the NCAA. That is what is great about the soccer development going on; nothing is a gimme anymore. All the schools are in play. So don't underestimate any program which it seems you were trying to do.

So, thanks for your 10 years of experience, but I think we have it from here as all of this changes every year.

Like a prior post stated GDA will be the top of the pyramid but it will not make an impact until a few years down the road. To that point many of the parents on this blog have already seen there daughter play HS also been targeting colleges or colleges targeted. GDA will make a bigger impact on the current youth players right now.

Most parents will likely pass on more additional $'s spent and parental time(logistics)on GDA if they are playing ECNL or a top level team that have already given them path to college. Trust me if can afford playing ECNL or top level team traveling up and down the east coast you will not qualify for US GDA scholar funds. But hey if my daughter or your daughter wants to pursue GDA it's up to us as parents to support it even if it is not the ideal situation anymore at that older age.

1:01 - I agree with the post at 5:33 and 3:09. No one has a crystal ball. Some kids commit to programs already in top 50 and some want to make them a top 50 and some fall out of it and climb back in with the help of the new recruits. It is what makes this game so much fun and unpredictable anymore.

Also, playing time comes into it as well. Not everyone commiting to power 5 schools will get playing time. Some may not see the field at all or dress for games and/or may wind up transferring.

Be impressed with the clubs developing the girls to get them to that next level. Then, it's up to the girls to get the most out of it. So, I happen to be in one of the clubs you mentioned. And, we are extremely happy with the organization, administration, coaching, developing, assistance of the coaches to make sure the girls get where they want not what looks better for the club (not everyone wants power 5 as other things come into play as well such as playing time, $$, academics, location, overseas opportunities to play after, etc.).

Glad your daughter and you are happy with your experiences. That is what it is all about. Enjoy her final months of club play.

What amazes me with all the nay sayers is that I haven't seen one parent(most likely dad) mentioning academics first in the decision making. I, for one (yes I'm dad) will do everything I can to set up my daughter for the best future possible, not NT or bust, not top 50 D1 or bust, not ECNL or bust, not DA or bust....Yes she wants to shoot for GDA and yes the coaches will be there to watch.

I don't think anyone is saying they'll turn down free education. Although that happens very little. By the way, you can get "free" through academics....I don't get the overwhelming thing....can't protect little Mia forever :)And 30K? Range of costs for schools my older daughter is considering....45-65K!!!!

Option "a" if she can play 75%+ of games, NCLEX pass rate of 90%+ and statistics for graduates in her major are at 90%+ employed within 6 months of graduation. This through great internships available etc...If stats aren't good then I'd pay the 25k per year for better stats

There is very little soccer money, for D1 programs Women's teams are allocated a certain #of scholarships, those scholarships are shared, very few are full rides. so in order to be recruited a player needs to help a coach by having the test scores and grades to get accepted, if a player chooses a tough major then there is a next level of acceptance into the school. My daughter wants a specific major, so we are only looking at colleges that have that major. Entrance into the specific program is 50 out of 400 applicants per year (on average). Scholarships are merit based only. So adding soccer to the equation hurts the process in some ways and helps in others. Hurts in that the decisions for acceptance (unless going early acition/decision) are after Feb 1. So we sit down with the coach, the coach says I want you on my team, we will talk after you have been accepted, this equals a verbal offer.

12:53Very similar situation with my junior daughter. Her major and D1 won't mix, we entertained for a few months with one school late in her sophomore year.It will be D3, many merit scholarships available. And yes, that's what I call a D3 "verbal offer". "You have a spot on the team, let's wait for all the admission paperwork to be complete and we'll tell you what $ we can give you"Many have rolling admission so the final can come quickly in the fall of senior year.

I guess you have all the answers. Funny how different it was for my two older ones. I know in our case, we discussed specific money and the coach helped them get accepted early as part of verbal offer. And they would not have been accepted, nor even applied if it were not for soccer. I will admit, majors were not considered. They have both switched majors already. Did they get full rides, no. Did they save me a lot of money, yes. When you are talking about schools close to $70,000 per year, 40 and 50 percent helps. We could have done much better at lower end schools too, but end goal was to get into better schools and then money was bonus. We had no chance of any other grants, financial or academic. The less you make, tne more you can get as well. Coaches can help you get other grants and prefer to in order to save their scholarship money.

With the Girls Program being awarded with the U.S. Soccer Girls Development Academy (DA) and the Boys Program entering the Boys Elite Clubs National League (Boys ECNL) we continue to grow into one of the nation's most recognized youth soccer clubs.

The meetings will provide detailed information on the player development structure, player pathway & levels of play, team schedules, and anticipated budgets at all levels.

The Technical Staff will be present to answer questions during a Q & A!

@12:53 - I'm sorry, but I have had different experiences with my older kids. The verbal offers included specifics as to what it would include re $$. We were not applying unless the offers were worth our while. And, yes, the academics and the program steered the boat. Some very good soccer programs and schools didn't have the academic majors so need to continue the search. But, outside of the ivy's (we had offers from those, too), everything else came with verbal offers of consideration. Can you say how you decided? Thank you!

Some of you are reading these posts "competitively" so to speak.When I post my experiences with older daughters, I'm trying to provide info for those of you just starting the process.Definitely not negating someone else's experiences or inflating mine.There are many ways for our daughters to excel, I wish everyone the best of luck!

801 Thanks for sharing but as you know things change 8 years ago ECNL just started, 4 years ago when your daughter was being recruited ECNL was 4 years in and more established and coaches started to flock to there events. 4 years from now for many on this blog this will change again look for example ID clinics popping up for each school almost twice a year and girls DA starting.

So your opinions and experiences are a valuable and helpful but as probably scene things change and up to us as parents to keep each other informed not bash.

What teams do you think cedar stars will mosttly pull from. I Wouldnt drive more than 30-40 minutes for their product. I dont think they have had any success developing kids on the girls side. Just curious. Rush blue is too far correct?

Rush blue is located on the other side of the state near Philadelphia. Closer for those players to go to PF. Regardless, doubt many of those girls are going to leave Rush for DA teams, perhaps a few who knows. They get lots of exposure now being in National League.

8:19. This is a u15 blog and the cedar stars have no track record of developing kids in this group and older. Will they have a solid DA product in 3 years? Maybe but thats not the point. Why would anyone go there just because its a DA? I think it could be a horrible product as many on the boys side are. Outside Pda and Penn Fusion I would be scared to commit. PAC will be fine they play a nice style of soccer.

World class and Cedar Stars have never offered a good product on the girls side.

All GDA clubs will be the place to be in 3 years. Just like the ECNL has been the last 3 years. Top of the Pyramid and that's not a debate it's the USSF you can't go any higher in the US. If you build it they will come.

As I just said the DA will be the top of the pyramid - where the top college programs will look first in addition to YNT scouts. Cedar Stars will play the PDA and PennFusion teams you just mentioned and will be in front of the same scouts as they are in those games. In NJ they will be the only team to play those teams in league games and GDA events.

Good product? Is it the training? can it be the player pool? can it be both? In NJ PDA & MatchFit got 80% of the stars. Then you have some other okay clubs NJ Wildcats, NJ Stallions, NJ Rush and SJEB to name a few so Cedar Stars was not at the top of anyone's list previously - they are now and playing vs PDA, FC Stars, Boston Breakers and PennFusion's GDA teams to name a few is well worth it even if they lose by 4+ goals, because they don't recruit teams they recruit players and a good player is easy to spot.

At this age does it matter who the coach is? - the platform is more important. If you are not at the top of the pyramid then the coach comes into play the club brand comes into play but when you are at the top of the pyramid who cares.

Here is the thing - the girls on Cedar stars will make their bed - what they put into it is what they will get. Because it's a startup is even better for the kids at the club as you said others will stay away but the team will still play the best teams in the region PDA/Stars/Breakers/Oakwood/PF to name a few. While others are staying away the girls that gave them a shot regardless of the coach will play in the top of the pyramid regardless if they belong or not. They can only do what's best for them as you will do what's best for your kid.

I also disagree it's been 10 years on the boys side and they still no better in world cup play or Olympics than they were 10 years ago, Correct?Also there are many stories of NCAA Men's collegiate teams playing friendly's vs MLS squads with a close or un-favorable outcome. Fact!

Many players un-happy with PDA that did not make the GDA between PDA/Skyblue will flock to Cedar Stars similar to when many flocked to MF when both clubs were competing for top players. That's whom will come over to Cedar Stars. Word on the street there are few players looking to move already.

Don't forget the MF players that won't GDA. Cedar Stars will have a player pool to pick from the question is how good are they at identifying talent? and where will their non GDA team play?

Don't forget the ODP pool since the GDA trumps ODP also now. There will be plenty of players that have the dream and have parents that support them, will bring them to see what is being offered with their own eyes.

There is an opportunity for some to play for FREE, go for it what's the worst that can happen you don't make the team? If you make the team you either play for free or you pay to play in the top of the pyramid like many did at their ECNL clubs.

10 years vs countries that have been doing it over 100 years okay that's fair. The MLS is been around for 20 years and they are finally starting to put together a good product.

Top of the pyramid simple.

the ECNL will be just another option and remember when you play GDA clubs with an ECNL team you are playing their B team, just like some NPL teams have done for years.

@1:39 - don't compare the women's side to the men's. Women helped set the bar internationally, men are still catching up with the storied international clubs. They are getting there, but they are not considered the powerhouse, yet. Most of the NT girls came from ODP programs prior to ECNL. And, US Soccer was/is very much involved in it, still. So, transition should be much easier than if starting from scratch.

Sorry I personally do not believe in the current U.S. DA system for boy's or girl's. Women's soccer in the U.S. have a proven track record and yes set the bar internationally so why follow other countries methods. I disagree that the men's side are still catching up after 10 years, they have taken many steps backwards as they did not qualify for the Olympics and on the verge of not qualifying for World Cup. Please don't use individual players that have been identified like Christian Pulisic as a measuring stick for US DA's success if the men's USA team cannot qualifying for anything.

I think US soccer decided to take a big giant crap on the youth soccer structure starting with byc this year and DA next year. It probably set them back 2-4 years. They should have rolled out the DA with u10-u12 and increased every year.

I dont trust any of these DA clubs to solely continue the development of my kid and I think with what she has access to in the long run will be a better player than the DA kids. You need a portfolio oc coaches to learn all the skills you need in your tool belt.

Low turnout you obviously were not there. Older group there were roughly 45 girls there for 23 spots. The 01-02's which mine is part of there were nearly 60 for 23 spots. Matchfits national team girl was there as well! Bye bye Matchfit! Stop being a PDA hater and move on with your life.

This is an age where parents know the quality of there own child so turnouts are mediocre but with quality is far beyond better. This isn't U12/13 tryouts of 100+ anymore people it's cutthroat best of the best.

PDA will have a quality DA team the first year and for those that do not make it ECNl will also will be tops as well for PDA.

1. Approx 26 players on a roster.2. 2 hour commute x 4 days a week.3. Only 18 players dress.4. Only 14 players play.5. Cost over 2k per year.6. Still have to travel if you dress.

Sorry but the coaches control who play to many unknowns, with a roster full of talented kids.

My girl is happy and playing more than 50% of her games - She is talking to D3 schools and has some D1 schools interested per her club coach, her team is not ECNL. She knows the game and plays the right way, it seems that's all that matters.

Just being real. I do wish all the players good luck who play GDA keep dreaming and hope to see you on TV playing for our NT some day.

Very interesting stuff, if true, the players will from from everywhere, because the upside of that association is huge. If you disagree, then you are a bonafied idiot, and should stop using your parents computer.

That's huge news if NYCFC merges with World Class. I'm assuming World Class will carry the DA team while NYCFC/World Class will carry the ECNL brand. Any word on Cedar Star and how they are going about with DA selections?

I'm hearing very low turnouts for older GDA age group of U17/U18 for many clubs. Maybe because players are mostly Jr./Sr. and have already been talking or verbally committed to schools already and they do not want to jeopardize there status. Look to see several 01's to move up to U17/U18 age group leaving many roster openings for U15/U16. That's the word coming from several GDA clubs.

8:54, my daughter is on one of those teams, and the club has no idea which girls will out-perform the others, that is why the upcoming season will be so important. The girls are basically playing for a GDA spot, but not all are interested, some want the chance to win a state championship with their HS.

You can play HS soccer, no problem, but there might not be a spot for you on the team, when HS season ends. Like most GDA clubs, there will be spots left for girls who want to rejoin the team after HS, however there might only be 2-3 spots for 40-50 players, and HS play is not a good test for GDA players who want to come back. In other words, if you are offered a spot, take it, and forget about HS soccer, forever.

11:25General rule is no HS soccer at all if GDA. If you're saying it's up to club, I haven't seen that. There was only rumor because Heinrichs comment. Her comment was vague at best I think. Read the whole context. As you say, good luck with wanting the best of both worlds. Make a choice and stick with it!

I will use PDA as my example, why would ant kid turn down a spot on their 1st team GDA for a spot on their B team ECNL just to play HS? I don't get it? You spend all that time/money to be play for the best and then you settle for 2nd best, why play for a GDA club at all then if HS is that important?

Perspective people. The future to a 15+/- year old is much closer that the future is to an adult. If there is to be a soccer future, the girls need to want to keep playing, and that requires playing in a place that makes them happy. Soccer needs to be more than just a job (no offense if your port of call is Bayonne - cite to SNL).

9:50 I don't care - I just don't get it. Soccer is not cheap and to invest all that money in our kids to develop their skills because they want to play NT/College what ever and then settle for 2nd best? That my friend is the writing on the wall that soccer will becoming to an end.

My kid plays is having fun doing what she wants and would never be happy with 2nd best - if that spells doomed for me then I am doomed.

And this summarizes beautifully the problem with DA. The kids want both... they want to play on THE BEST team (the DA) AND they want to play High School (to have fun). The DA and even ECNL for that matter is too much like a job sometimes. These coaches are over-scheduling the teams. Our team is going 5-days a week right now. We even played on Sunday in the freezing, pouring rain.

We are forcing kids to make decisions that they just don't want to make.

I also blame US Soccer because they want to compete at the highest level(World Cup/Olympics) but put in place rules to take away a kid's(Social Life). Outside of not playing HS what girl has the time to do other activities after school clubs or other sports etc. let alone making sure they keep plenty of time to study while they are required to do something soccer related 5/6 times a week.

Yes it's a parents choice but what if both the Men's & Women's soccer teams were already dominating like basketball still is, do you think all these rules & changes like No HS or other sports/activates would be in place. US Soccer needs to work with the leagues(ECNL etc) and align themselves with colleges to help train those selected athletes to play at the highest level not cherry pick from U11-U17. Yes I disgruntle because I'm not looking forward to see GDA next year but daughter wants it.

10:47 if she loved soccer it wouldn't be a job for her - she would want to win for her self a roster spot, minutes, the game, a college scholarship, an invite to CA, play for any NT not complain about not playing HS.

GDA and HS both train at the same time the player has a choice that is the rue beauty of this. Don't we want the making choices on their own?

11:02 they didn't take anything away they actually gave the girls that love the sport more by adding more training. Why do you guys have a problem with CHOICE!

If a player picks soccer - how can training 4x per week with club be bad?

There is no way any player can practice/play games 5x per week for HS and train 4x per week with club, so GDA is making it easy for the players instead of risking injury - you can't do both pick one. CHOICE!

The model is great - the only people crying are the ones losing $$$

GDA is a feeder for YNTs and NTs possibly in addition to College - how is this a bad thing? A true top of the pyramid. Everybody wins. The players get fantastic training and play against the best that want the same thing.If they want HS go for it CHOICE!

That's the problem. Little Mia wants it all. Top of the pyramid and high school. Her high school team is good with good coaching. Closest DA will be stronger then closest ECNL. The kid is only 14... not quite mature enough to comprehend everything.

I know that's where parenting come in... just not an easy choice to make.

Actually it's a very easy choice - ask little MIA where does soccer fit in the big picture. If it's play in college, then stick with HS and ECNL and she will play in college, if it is NT then the choice is simple GDA (college is a given)

Okay my daughter chose HS vs GDA just for the next coming year as she is on the younger end(2002) of the U16/17 GDA team next year. She will play out her Freshman HS year next year just for the experience and social aspects then she will try to make the GDA team the following year as one of the older players.Those are choices they should be thinking of right now not putting all eggs in one basket and jumping ship. I'm glad she was mature enough to make that decision and not myself as a parent pushing her to the decision.

GDA will take 3 keepers, but the bottom for that 3rd - better be almost as good as the top. So if the coaches only see 2 great keepers, I think they would only take 2. A weak keeper these days, or any keeper not playing the sweep keep style is not going to last and lose matches. sorry, watch the super keepers making unbelievable saves. I hate to put so much on keepers, but the game has changed from 30-40 years ago for sure. Great keeper is only as good as the limited shots on goal, so by using perfect defense you can limit quality shots for sure at this age grouping.

Perfect defense, what’s wrong with you dude? Everybody knows your defense is only as good as your holding-midfielder, if she is having a good game, the other team will not have quality chances. The #6 position is the most important on the field, because she is the one who shields the back-line, and begins the counter attack, she is the alpha and the omega.

10:14 -. You don't seem to understand the value of the keeper that directs up the field and becomes part of the field players as well. In addition to "unbelievable saves" they need to have great foot skills and ability to see the breakdowns. They direct the holding middie as well.

Group A and Group B are so lopsided. Going by YSR looks like SJEB Rush and Pipeline would be favored. These two teams have played a bunch of times and they put them again to play Sunday morning. I have no idea on these brackets. I would say the winner will be Rush or Pipeline to take it all. But, its soccer and anything can happen.